Welcome to the 2006 Virginia Interoperable Communications Conference

1. Welcome to the 2006 Virginia Interoperable Communications Conference Chris Essid Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator

2. Opening Remarks The Honorable Robert P. Crouch, Jr. Assistant to the Governor for Homeland Security Office of Commonwealth Preparedness

3. Review of the FY 2007 Strategic Plan for Statewide Communications Interoperability State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC)

4. Mission & Vision Mission: Improve public safety communications in the Commonwealth of Virginia through enhanced voice and data communications interoperability. Vision: By 2015, agencies and their representatives at the local, regional, state, and federal levels will be able to communicate using compatible systems, in real time, across disciplines and jurisdictions, to respond more effectively during day-to-day operations and major emergency situations.

5. Strategic Goals Goal 1:Create a common understanding of communications interoperability throughout the Commonwealth Goal 2: As appropriate, utilize common language, coordinated protocols and standards statewide Goal 3: Integrate existing and future communications systems Goal 4: Facilitate training to enhance effective use of communications systems

6. Interoperability Planning Lifecycle Virginia Code 9.1-1200 The office of the Governor shall ensure that the annual review and update of the statewide interoperability strategic plan is accomplished and implemented to achieve effective and efficient communication between state, local, and federal communication systems. All state agencies and localities shall achieve consistency with and support the goals of the statewide interoperability strategic plan by July 1, 2015, in order to remain eligible to receive state or federal funds for communications programs and systems.

7. Interoperability Planning Lifecycle

8. Interoperability Governance

9. Major Achievements • Developed and implemented versions FY 2005 and FY 2006 of the Commonwealth of Virginia Strategic Plan for Statewide Interoperable Communications (Plan) • FY 2005 Plan • Established the CICO • Created practitioner-based governance structure to plan for improved interoperability • Conducted first annual Virginia Interoperability Communications Conference (VICC) • Identified and assisted localities in obtaining funding for interoperability projects

10. Major Achievements (continued) • FY 2006 Plan • Established the interoperability project management office to support the Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator • Created and distributed targeted materials to expand stakeholder base • Conducted second annual VICC • Identified and received endorsement for a statewide common language best practice • Created a technical standards library • Conducted grant recipient training Developed and currently implementing FY 2007 Plan

11. Major Achievements (continued) Developed the Commonwealth’s interoperability investment submission for federal funding Established formal performance measures and secured funding to complete a statewide inventory of communications equipment, governance, and operating procedures Continued to work on local connections to the STARS system and ensuring the needs of Virginia’s localities are coordinated with state investments

12. Major Achievements (continued) Improved coordination among Virginia’s state agencies for interoperability projects Secured an Executive Order formally establishing the State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) Developed and implemented an outreach strategy to reach an ever-increasing number of stakeholders Since 2004 the SIEC has conducted competitive grant processes that has resulted in $4.1 million in local interoperability grants

13. FY 2007 Strategic Plan Structure Initiatives split into five categories: • Outreach • Governance • Technology • Operational Protocols • Training

14. Outreach Initiatives • Develop, distribute and promote interoperable communications information to stakeholders • Hire an outreach and technical consultant within the CICO to provide stakeholders with information and assistance regarding interoperability solutions

15. Governance Initiatives • Sustain the interoperability effort • Support existing and establish new regional governance interoperability coordinating organizations

16. Technology Initiatives • Establish a database of interoperable communications equipment, local and regional governance groups, and SOPs • Increase coordination and collaboration between the CICO and the VNG to leverage its unique federal/state capabilities • Research opportunities and facilitate policy development for strategic radio caches

17. Technology Initiatives (continued) • Continue to support and facilitate the 800 MHz rebanding effort within the Commonwealth • Utilize the SIEC to provide input to ensure the VITA IT Infrastructure Project meets the needs of public safety

18. Operational Protocol Initiatives • Identify and promote the use of nationally recognized FCC designated interoperability channels in the VHF, UHF, 700 MHz, and 800 MHz bands that can be used in the Commonwealth • Encourage adoption of the common language best practice on the local, state, and federal level

19. Operational Protocol Initiatives (continued) • In support of NIMS implementation across the Commonwealth, endorse the COML concept and encourage NIMS certification

20. Training Initiatives • Work with state agencies to ensure that interoperability information is a part of grant training • Identify and develop interoperability training exercise opportunities

21. Over the Next Two Days….. • Provide your input into how the Commonwealth addresses interoperability • Tell us if you would like to help longer term • Network with fellow practitioners • Begin to organize regionally • Enjoy yourselves!

22. The 2006 Virginia Interoperable Communications Conference October 3-4, 2006 Portsmouth, Virginia